House Bill 5287 Summary

• Department shall make air quality index (AQI) forecasts at least 24 hours in advance and publicize them on its website and through other means using accurate procedures considering meteorology, topography, and available data.

• Department must declare action days for geographic areas when AQI or PM 2.5 subindex is forecast to reach moderate category or worse, and designate those occurring November through March as "winter thermal inversion action days" if caused by thermal inversions.

• Within 180 days of enactment, department shall review its AQI program and may revise ozone or PM 2.5 standards, modify voluntary pollution prevention measures, or restrict industry emissions during thermal inversions.

• Director shall convene a workgroup including public health experts, air quality experts, environmental organizations, and residents from high-pollution areas to study thermal inversions and recommend state actions to improve air quality and protect public health; workgroup must report findings within one year and is dissolved 90 days after reporting.

• Bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.